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David Pollack picks Cole Rusk as Illinois' player to watch in 2025

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh07/02/25griffin_mcveigh
NCAA Football: Citrus Bowl-South Carolina at Illinois
Dec 31, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; A Illinois Fighting Illini helmet sitting on confetti after the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images

Bret Bielema will have to find some new offensive weapons for Luke Altmyer this season. Illinois is losing its two leading receivers, both now working on the early stages of an NFL career. And still having high expectations, somebody is going to have to step up.

David Pollack has identified someone as a candidate, going with tight end Cole Rusk. In his second season with the program, Rusk is hoping to have a much bigger role moving forward. Pollack sees the potential there for the tight end when Illinois really needs to target someone.

“He was expected to do things a year ago, got hurt,” Pollack said. ” … I know they’re going to run the football, I know who they are, I know what their identity is. But their QB needs a big target and a guy to hit those intermediate routes, move the sticks. Give me my boy Cole Rusk from Illinois.”

Rusk missed the entire 2024 season due to an injury suffered in camp. However, he was named to the John Mackey Award watchlist before then. Plenty out there saw a ton of potential after Rusk transferred in from Murray State.

“After a great offseason and tons of excitement to live out a lifelong dream this season, I’m saddened to say I’ve suffered a season-ending knee injury,” Rusk said in a statement, announcing his injury. “I’m already looking forward to coming back even better than before, and am still incredibly excited for our team to do big things this year. I came here to help us win, and I will do whatever it takes.”

Illinois is actually the third school of Rusk’s career. He committed to Eastern Michigan out of high school but only wound up playing in one game. Murray State’s 2023 season was the first real playing time Rusk received, making the most of it all. He caught 39 passes for 507 yards (13 yards per reception) and six touchdowns.

Those are numbers you have to imagine the Fighting Illini would take in a heartbeat. Hank Beatty will enter the season as the team’s leading returning receiver. Beatty will see his own window of opportunity but he recorded just 294 yards and a touchdown on 20 receptions in 2024. Proven production is not something Illinois has in its back pocket.

A big season is ahead for Rusk. Plenty of people are buying into what could be, including Pollack.